San Joaquin County’s proposed 2025-26 budget has cracked the $3 billion mark, providing more for law enforcement and less for general government.
The Board of Supervisors will hear public comment and consider whether to pass the budget at Tuesday’s meeting. Ahead of that session, the board has put the entire document online.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the spending plan’s more interesting features:
It’s balanced (for now)
The $3 billion budget amounts to a 7% increase over the current fiscal year. Even with the increase, the county doesn’t expect to have to dip into reserves to fund it.
The future isn’t as rosy, though. Based on current projections, the county envisions general-fund shortfalls rising to $16.8 million in three years.
There’s a backstop
There’s a contingency fund of $151.1 million proposed for next year, pegged at roughly 5% of spending.
Say, ‘Ahhh’
Health services, comprised of the county hospital and other medical operations, is slated to get the biggest chunk of the overall pot of money, a total of $1.2 billion — or 39.8% of the budget.
Laying down the law
The next highest funded category is law and justice, with $644 million allocated to it, 21.3% of the budget.
Law and justice spending — the bulk of which funds the Sheriff’s, Probation and District Attorney’s offices — rises by 11.3%. The boost isn’t an increase in positions, however. It’s more for funding negotiated pay raises.
More for parks
Parks and recreation also would get a big boost. Much of it would go toward an irrigation project at eight community parks and new high-tech restrooms at five of the parks.
Less for ‘general government‘
The county’s net outlay for what is considered “general government” is expected to include a 5% reduction.
Camping site for homeless people
The budget also allocates $3 million for a 70-tent “safe camping” site for unhoused individuals.
The location most likely will be at the former Oakmoore Golf Course in Stockton, which the county is working to acquire.
An espresso machine and other capital improvements
The cost of doing business can be costly, especially when you need to replace things. For example, the old courthouse’s demolition is budgeted at $6 million.
San Joaquin General Hospital has earmarked nearly $16 million in upgrades, including more than $300,000 for surgery lighting and $230,000 for labor and delivery birthing beds.
It also wants a $19,700 commercial-grade espresso machine for its cafeteria.
The coffee-maker would replace the hospital’s current one.
“It serves employees and visitors and generates revenue that is expected to offset the cost,” Deputy County Administrator Hilary Crowley said when reached for comment.